Sariska Tiger Reserve

Sariska Tiger Reserve , a four hour drive from Delhi to Alwar, Rajasthan.

A perfect getaway for a peaceful serendipity with nature.

Once you reach Sariska, opt for Resort Sterling which has its own buffet meal with beautiful cottages and a lovely pool.

Its almost impossible to find eateries around the Tiger reserve so the accommodation you are staying at is your best bet for healthy food and other facilities. Also the proximity of your resort to the tiger reserve would enhance your experience as staying far away will make your trip exhausting.

The tiger safaris start early in the morning 08.00 am till sunset 6.30pm, with option of Wildlife Safari or Safari with visit to Pandupole (Hanuman) temple in the midst of forest.

Opt for Wildlife safari as the temple can be visited by your own vehicle too on selected days of a week(Tuesday and Saturday). Having three hours all for Wildlife Safari increases the chance of spotting rare animals including leopards and tigers.

Its a beautiful jungle with amazing views and terrains.

There is a small eatery inside the reserve serving tea,biscuits and maggi to feel refreshed after safari as you are not allowed to take outside food inside the jungle.

Nearby locations to cover if you have more than one night are Neelkanth Temple (few hours bumpy ride on heavy jeep vehicles as other vehicles not permitted on the muddy hilly lanes which gets riskier during rains). Its one of the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva on top of the hill.

Bhangarh Fort- The most haunted fort of India. Its banned to be visited after 5pm.

The hotels arrange sightseeing packages for above two attractions though we could not cover above due to lack of time.

Apart from above two most desired tourist locations, the rest are not of much significance but can be explored if you have ample time at hand.

On your way back to Delhi, visit Silserh lake for boating mid way. Though the lake is full of crocodiles but worth a visit.

Happy indulging with wonders of nature.

Travelling Yours,
:)

BODHGAYA

A beautiful BUDDHIST town in Bihar, few hours from airports nearby namely Ranchi, Patna and Gaya and four hours from Dhanbad railway junction.

Best time to visit will be Nov-Feb to avoid heat of summer months.

A trip of two to three days is sufficient unless you have arrangements to stay at monasteries and experience the monk way of life. Best place to stay is Hotel Oaks, Bodhgaya.

Its largely a buddhist town with beautiful buddhist monasteries and an international attraction for followers of Buddhism as this is the city where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana.

The search for beautiful era of Buddhism with its beauiful monasteries, amazing architecture, marvellous buddhist sculptures,all ends at this destination with no need to go international and spend lakhs of rupees to find lesser splendour.

Day One- Head first to newly built Metta Buddharam Temple in morning and enjoy the silver architecture with white sculptures of Lord Buddha. A beautiful tranquility to behold all in white and silver. Nothing compares  to the grace and perfection of this temple.

Head to Mahabodhi Temple by 2pm. A rare sight to behold. The Bodhi Tree in its complex and the story of this temple being resurrected by Samrat Ashoka will  leave you mesmerised. Not carrying camera would be a huge mistake, as mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple.  Locker and cloak room facility available to leave your mobile phones outside. The full walk inside and around the temple would leave you one with Buddha with a feeling that you are walking next to him, such is the fragrance and peace of the place. There is no denying his omnipresence in the vicinity  of the temple especially  under THE BODHI TREE where people sit quietly and meditate. Do not leave the premises before dark as the evening lights and chants have their own reverie and delight. Muchalinda lake in temple complex with a Buddha in meditation at the centre of the lake will leave you transfixed.Once you are out  of the temple, their are hundreds of kiosks to buy arts and handicrafts from, along with beautiful Buddha artefacts, chant stones and amazing street side jewellery.

Day Two- Reach the square from where private vehicles are not allowed inside the lanes of various monasteries/temples but hoardes of e-rickshaws will surround you for the sightseeing conducted by them at charges of Rs 100 per hour minimum being three hours.

The list of monasteries and temples covered in three to four hours

Royal Bhutan Monastery-Beautiful, colourful, symmetrical monastery.

Wat Thai Monastery- For a moment, you will forget that you are in India and believe that you have time travelled to a great monastery at Thailand.

Daijokyo Buddhist Temple- Not as huge and special in architecture as other monasteries but definitely worth visiting for the unique designs outside the temple.

Indosan Nipponji Japanese Yemple- The best out of all in terms of peaceful tranquility and fragrant wooden sticks burnt with a large compound of big pink flowers and an amazing bell which starts the day of its inhabitants at 3am everyday.

Karma Temple-Colourful,vibrant and full of  life.

The Great Buddha Statue- The sheer size of this 80feet statue will leave you mesmerised and fixed  on this location for hours. it feels as if buddha has finally arrived to you.

Once the sightseeing is over and you are brought  back to the private vehicles lane, enjoy yummy Thai/Japanese/Tibetan/Indian food stalls and head back to your hotel after a day well spent in the fragrance of Lord Buddha.

All the above places stay open till sunlight or 6pm.

Day Three- Relax at hotel. Have a great breakfast at the property and check out with a calm state of mind which resonates with Buddham Sharanam Gachchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gachchami.

Hope you find your Nirvana where Buddha did. Must visit to feel him very close. The air of the place has this inexplicable presence which can be sensed once you are there and not by mere words.

I will go with a Buddha quote to end this:

“If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key.”

TravellingYours,

S Smita